Therapists for college students near Los Angeles, CA

Hi! I'm Justine Short, MS, LMFT. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. For over 10 years, I continue to have a passion for helping people in finding their inner strength in order to make positive and lasting life changes. I view my role as a therapist to walk alongside and guide others to reach their full potential. My desire is to help others become self-aware, feel confident, and reach for hope so that they can thrive in their everyday lives.

Many of the people I work with are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) who are struggling to navigate multiple areas of their life like work, school, family, relationships, or the intersectionalities of their identities. Many talk about often feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck. This then kicks off to what feels like a never ending cycle of confusion, frustration, depression, and anxiety. Therapy is an opportunity to find clarity and work through these obstacles to help people get their life back on track. My clients and I work together to develop more mindful behaviors to help lead a more meaningful and healthy life. People develop certain attitudes and perspectives based on their early life experiences to survive when they were younger. But these attitudes and perspectives are not helping now which is part of the reason why people might feel stuck. By looking at these attitudes and perspectives closely, people can learn to change how they talk to themselves, how they react to their emotions. and take more thoughtful actions to move forward towards a more authentic and fulfilling life. My practice integrates several evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that encompasses principles of person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, multiculturalism, and strength-based values. With my compassionate, collaborative, non-judgmental, and down-to-earth style, therapy can address the things that are getting in the way of people’s life so that they can move forward. COMMON EXPERIENCES THAT I WORK WITH PEOPLE ON: - It feels like your mind is playing tricks on you - It feels like your eyes or ears are playing tricks on you - It feels like something odd is going on or hard to explain - Confused at times whether something is real or imaginary - You feel suspicious or mistrustful of others - It feels like you have little control over your thoughts - It feels like others can hear your thoughts or read your mind - Having thoughts or beliefs that you or others find strange - Race-related identity, culture, and intersectionality - Cultural and systemic trauma and oppression

Are you ready to make positive and lasting changes? You are definitely more than just your problems, but sometimes our problems get so big they are all we can see. When you are in my office you are seen and treated as a whole person with both strengths and struggles. I believe that therapy works best when it happens in the safety of a trusting, supportive, and collaborative relationship. My style can be best described as flexible as my interventions are based on the unique needs of my clients. I have experience working with trauma, childhood abuse, anxiety, depression, relationships, anger, stress management, transition issues, social awkwardness, grief, and loss. I see adolescents and adults in my practice and am able to offer individual therapy.

If you are the person, everyone turns to, who do YOU turn to? You give everything to everyone else but never have time for you. It gets tiring always being the ''strong'' one. I see you. You might be struggling to get through the day or question yourself and your worth. This can look like anxiety, depression, problems recovering from a traumatic experience as an adult or as a child. I want to help you know what you DESERVE. Find the life you want and be more in control of your thoughts, emotions, and choices. Let's look inward and do this difficult but deeply important and rewarding work together. Currently, I can see clients who reside in Pennsylvania, California and North Carolina.

Anxiety, sadness, loneliness, low self-esteem, self-doubt, distress, difficulty sleeping and discomfort in our bodies are indicators that we need support. I am passionate about helping clients navigate difficult transitions, using these challenges as catalysts for healing and growth. With over 25 years of experience in various therapeutic modalities, I provide client-centered and trauma-responsive therapy grounded in compassion and empathy. It is a privilege to guide clients in processing and integrating past and present experiences. I employ Internal Family Systems (IFS) "parts work" (an approach that helps us understand and heal from past experiences by identifying and addressing different parts of our psyche), attachment theory, EMDR and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT).

It is discouraging to navigate a world that doesn’t see you, that misunderstands you or makes you invisible based on your gender, race, sexuality, size, trauma history and a host of other factors. Systemic oppression impacts your mental health as much your history does. It can be intimidating to reach out to a therapist because you want to find someone who really understands you. Mental health has a history of victim-blaming and pathologizing. I am a queer therapist offering trauma-informed therapy for individuals and couples. I utilize an intersectional feminist and social justice lens. I specialize in working with queer, gender-blessed and other non-mainstream individuals and relationships, including non-monogamous, age-gap, cross-cultural and queer relationships.

I am passionate about helping individuals, teens, and families work through challenging parts of life. I have specialties working with the LGBTQ+ population and young adults working through difficult experiences and life transitions. I additionally use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in my practice to assist in trauma processing. I believe strongly in finding a good "fit" in a therapist that best suites the individuals needs to have the best outcomes possible. If you choose to come to therapy, I can help explore and process your feelings openly in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Although it may be difficult to do, I strongly believe that openly talking about positive and negative life experiences is the key to positive growth and change. In doing so, you will gain greater awareness and understanding about yourself. I have helped many people understand how their repetitive patterns and routines can make them feel stagnant. Which as a result, keeps them from moving forward in life. I will give you the skills and tools to utilize to successfully managing potential issues that may arise in the future. I look forward to speaking with you and beginning the road to positive growth and change.

I am part of a group practice that's primary focus is on supporting client's that are struggling with eating disorders, body image concerns, disordered eating patterns, as well as individuals that are struggling with navigating a world filled with diet culture and weight biased messaging. The relationships people have with food and their bodies are an integral component of living a well-rounded and full life, as these relationships allow us to connect intentionally with ourselves and with others. My goal for clients is to help them heal their relationships with food and their bodies, increase self-esteem, and live more presently.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Dr. Ca-Lie Cheng-Wang is a bilingual (English and Mandarin-speaking) licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in San Diego, California. Working closely with individuals experiencing relationship dysfunctions, addictions, substance use disorders, personality disorders, traumas, emotional distress, addictions, psychosis, mood-related issues, eating disorders, and acculturation issues. She provides psychotherapy and psychological evaluations to adolescents and adults. Through her work as a clinical psychologist, she helps patients overcome struggles and develop better-coping strategies to manage stressors. Dr. Cheng-Wang also provides risk assessments, psychological assessments, and evaluations to determine the patient’s current emotional states, biopsychosocial functioning, diagnosis, appropriate treatment plans, recommendations, and/or remediations. Dr. Cheng-Wang works closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other agencies to determine how to best treat and care for her patients. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University in San Diego, California in 2017. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her psychoanalytic fellowship from San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, San Diego, California. She is a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. She presently is an Adjunct Professor at California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), Alliant International University in the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) departments, teaching Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior courses. Furthermore, Dr. Cheng-Wang was an Associate Level Certification with the State of California Sexual Offender Management Board (CASOMB). In addition, Dr. Cheng-Wang was the Secretary of the San Diego Psychological Association Supervisor Committee. Dr. Cheng-Wang has experience working in the forensic field, detention facilities, outpatient clinics, long-term residential treatment facilities, school, and hospital treatment settings. Her clinical experiences have been focused on diverse clientele, ranging from toddlers to geriatrics. She has experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Her specialty areas including the treatment of addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, relationship issues, attachment disorders, autism spectrum, anger management, personality disorders, and substance-related issues.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My psychiatric specialties include psychiatric management of mild to moderate mental health concerns, and treating psychiatric conditions across the lifespan, substance use disorders, advanced treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Integrative Mental Health, Lifestyle Medicine. I see patients in the following areas but not limited to ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Insomnia, and Schizophrenia. I treat clients who identify as members of the BIPOC community (Black, African American, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander…etc) and the LGBTQ+ community. I also treat patients who may not identify within these communities but are allies to those who do as well.

Hi there, I’m Kayleigh. Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee currently pursuing my master’s degree at Alliant International University. I understand that reaching out for support can feel overwhelming at times, and my goal is to offer a steady, caring space where you can feel safe, seen, and supported. I work with teens, adults, couples, and families who are navigating challenges like anxiety, emotional regulation, relationship stress, self-esteem, and life transitions. I’m especially drawn to supporting clients in building resilience, exploring their identity, and creating meaningful change in their daily lives and relationships. My style as a therapist is collaborative, thoughtful, and grounded in respect for your unique experience. I integrate techniques from family systems approaches including Cognitive Behavioral, Collaborative, Narrative, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help uncover patterns, deepen understanding, and encourage growth. I work with you to shape the therapy process around your needs, goals, and comfort level. Outside the therapy space, I enjoy gardening, discovering local coffee spots, and spending time with family and friends. I try to live with intention, humor, and curiosity, and I bring those same values into my work with clients.

I work with folks navigating various life and identity-related stressors, significant life changes, trauma, depression, and anxiety. Being in school comes with its own unique challenges, while daily personal and global issues are still showing up and impacting us. I've worked with folks from many walks of life, and have extensive experience supporting people in the LGBTQIA2S+ community. My modalities encompass various forms of talk therapy, as well as somatic therapy, ecotherapy, and Brainspotting.

Throughout most of our culture boys are not given much opportunity to explore their inner worlds, identify and express emotions or encouraged to build supportive and robust social networks. As these boys become men it leaves them lacking skills to know when and how to reach out for support. This is where I come in. I help guide young men through life's challenges by teaching skills that will help them in all facets of their life. Tired of feeling stuck, alone and not knowing how or what to change. Book your free consult through my website and let's see if working together is the best next step for you. No need to go it alone anymore.

Whether you're starting college, moving to a new city, exploring career paths, or navigating relationships, this chapter is filled with major transitions. It's a time of asking big questions—about identity, belonging, purpose, and connection. And while this growth can be exciting, it often comes with anxiety, self-doubt, loneliness, or feeling lost along the way. Maybe You’re: -Feeling anxious, unmotivated, or unsure of what you want -Constantly comparing yourself to others and struggling with self-worth -Feeling disconnected from friends, unsure about your relationship, or lonely in a new city -Confused about career direction or struggling to make major life decisions -Navigating identity, sexuality, or finding your place -Afraid of making the wrong choice or not living up to expectations -Dealing with difficult family dynamics or crises -Overwhelmed by the state of the world and unsure how to move forward with purpose My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and non-pathologizing. That means I believe that what you’re experiencing isn’t a personal failing—it’s a natural reaction to the larger systems you’re living within. Together, we’ll unravel where your patterns come from, the ways they’ve protected you, and how you can begin to explore new ways of being. We might: -Get curious about your beliefs around success, identity, and self-worth -Explore how family or cultural expectations have shaped you -Understand the relationship between mind and body -Work through shame, fear, or grief that keeps you stuck -Identify your values and true desires, regardless of external pressures or expectations -Begin to take notice of the patterns that are no longer serving you Whether you’re starting college, building a career, or simply trying to figure out your next -step, you don’t have to do it alone.

Dr. Victoria Meraz is a trauma informed psychologist passionate about supporting BIPOC, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ clients. She uses evidence-based approaches tailored to each client's unique needs and goals, creating a safe, inclusive space for healing and growth. Her work is grounded in cultural humility, empowerment, and personalized care.

Are you struggling with depression and anxiety surrounding college, life pressures, relationships issues, or past experiences? I have experience working with depression, anxiety and PTSD. My specialty is trauma, both recent and past. I am trained in EMDR, CPT, and TF-CBT. If you are struggling with present stressors or struggling to overcome your past, I can help. I am currently an Associate Marriage Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor working under Dr. Avis Attaway Lic. #34493. Life Source Affordable Counseling is a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide high quality care to everyone regardless of insurance. Low-cost does not mean low-quality. Two heads are better than one so you can rest assured that you are getting the best treatment. Nowhere else can you get EMDR treatment from $80.

Hi! I’m Nadine! My mission is to help you course-correct to a life you feel comfortable with. We are going to research what lights you up, what feels wrong or miserable, and why this is going on for you right now. Then we will create small steps you can take towards feeling better. This hopelessness won’t last forever. And you will feel confident and competent again. You are in the middle, and the middle is always shitty and confusing, and disorienting. Together we can find where you are getting stuck. We can work on ways to help you get grounded and remember who you are. I will help you stretch and strengthen your ability to feel and navigate the big emotions that arise while narrating your story of trauma.

My name is Nadia. I have a dual degree in Psychology and I am a License Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. The most important part of my professional philosophy is my clients are my priority. I make sure that I provide my clients and my couples with professional support and alliance in a safe space. Sometimes you might feel like you get stuck in your life and could not find a way out of it. Sometimes we all are going through various challenges or adjustments in our lives which may include dissatisfaction with our career filed, relationship, a sense of our identify, and self-image.. During the therapy process, individuals as well as couples have an opportunity to communicate and process their stressors and then explore their strengths and alternative options to develop a sense of hope, rebuild self-confidence, positive self-talk, and improve interaction with their partners and friends. I use: Person-Centered therapy: I love to utilize this model with my clients because with this model they have a space in which they can communicate and process their present emotions, feelings, and thoughts with certainty that they are being understood and supported rather than judged. Solution Focus Therapy, a tool that helps individuals as well as couples repair their distressed relationship with themselves and with their loved ones, and gain greater awareness of their emotions surrounding their stressors. This model also provides individuals with strategies to effectively cope, regulate, and transform their emotions and feelings, while building tighter bonds with the people that matter most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps you learn how to recognize and change the automatic negative thoughts that negatively influence on mood and behavior. If you feel like you’ve found yourself in a difficult situation of your life and don’t know how to deal with it on your own, please don’t hesitate to reach me out for professional help.